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Tropical Storm Flossie: Hawaii braces for heavy rain, waves, wind

By Oskar Garcia

Associated Press

Posted:
07/29/2013 08:49:20 AM PDT

Updated:
07/29/2013 09:16:36 AM PDT

Click photo to enlarge

This image, captured by NASA's Aqua satellite on July 28, 2013, shows Tropical Storm Flossie approaching the Hawiian Islands(L). National Weather Service officials said they expect people on the Big Island and Maui to see the brunt of the storm on the morning of July 29, with wind gusts up to 60 mph, possible flooding and waves up to 18 feet high. Flossie could also bring mudslides, tornadoes and waterspouts, the forecasters said. AFP PHOTO / NASA/ == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE / MANDATORY CREDIT: "AFP PHOTO / NASA/ NO MARKETING / NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS / DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ==JEFF SCHMALTZ/AFP/Getty Images

HONOLULU -- Authorities in Hawaii have opened emergency shelters to prepare for a tropical storm that's expected to bring up to 15 inches of rain and sustained winds of 50 mph.

The National Weather Service says Tropical Storm Flossie has weakened over the past six hours but will remain a significant threat for up to three days.

The storm was about 160 miles east of Hilo Monday morning. It's moving west at about 16 mph.

The tropical storm is expected to hit the Big Island by midday, bringing 6 to 10 inches of rain in many areas and up to 15 inches in others. Eighteen-foot waves also are possible.

Eight emergency shelters have opened.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

Residents and tourists across Hawaii were bracing for Tropical Storm Flossie, which forecasters said was weakening as it approached the state but still could bring heavy rains, strong winds and possibly even tornadoes.

National Weather Service officials said they expect people on the Big Island and Maui to see the brunt of the storm Monday morning, with wind gusts up to 60 mph, possible flooding and waves up to 18 feet high.

Flossie also could bring mudslides, tornadoes and waterspouts, the forecasters said.

"For the folks on the Big Island and Maui, if you're preparing your home, you should be rushing those preparations to completion," said Michael Cantin, a warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

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"By the time you get up in the morning, the storm's going to already be there, and you won't have any time," he said.

The service on Sunday issued a tropical storm warning for Oahu, Hawaii's most populous island with the city of Honolulu, to go along with previous warnings for the Big Island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The warning means the storm represents a threat to life and property.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the storm, allowing the state to use its disaster fund to pay for staff overtime, supplies and other resources. The proclamation also allows the state to call Hawaii National Guard members to duty, if necessary.

The U.S. Coast Guard also closed three ports -- two on the Big Island where the storm is expected first and a third on Maui. College campuses and courts were also to be closed Monday on the Big Island.

Cantin said Sunday night that the system was weakening because winds in the higher levels of the atmosphere were beginning to move in more strongly, disrupting the circulation of the storm.

At 11 p.m. (2 a.m. PDT) the storm was packing sustained winds of 50 mph and was centered 200 miles east of Hilo, traveling toward the islands at 17 mph.

Cantin said wind gusts likely will be able to knock down power poles and blow away loose objects. He said people should be careful of trying to walk or drive across water if floods happen.

"It takes about 6 inches of water to knock you off your feet ... 12 inches to move a vehicle," he said.

The service also issued a tropical storm watch for Kauai and Niihau, a less severe notice asking people to make a plan and pay attention to see if things get worse.

Officials warned people to cancel beach trips, finish necessary storm preparations and evacuate if asked by local officials.

Mike McCartney, chief executive of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, said some airlines have begun to adjust flights and visitors should double-check plans.

Trails and campgrounds were also close on the Big Island, where state officials warned people to avoid forest areas until Flossie clears.

It's not immediately clear which island faces the most danger, though the Big Island -- the easternmost island in the archipelago -- is likely the first in Flossie's path. Flossie's center was expected to pass near the Big Island and Maui on Monday morning and then south of Oahu several hours later on Monday evening into Tuesday morning.

The storm is expected to drop 6 inches to 10 inches of rain, with higher amounts on the eastern side and less on the western side of islands.

Waves of 12 to 18 feet are expected for the Big Island and Maui, with surf of 10 to 15 feet on other islands.

Despite the system weakening, the current forecast keeps Flossie as a tropical storm through Wednesday.